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Development of Corexit 9580—A Chemical Beach Cleaner
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1991
Year
EngineeringOcean PollutionChemical EngineeringEnvironmental ChemistryChemical SafetyMarine PollutionNew ProductWater TreatmentOil SpillChemical Beach CleanerChemical HazardChemical PollutionLaboratory TestingChemical Beach CleanersChemical Enhanced Oil RecoveryEnvironmental EngineeringEnvironmental RemediationWater PurificationOil Spill PreventionEnvironmental ToxicologyCoastal Pollution
ABSTRACT Chemical beach cleaners can facilitate cleanups of oiled shorelines by improving the efficiency of washing with water. The improvement is a result of reduced adhesion of the oil coating, which makes it easier to remove from shoreline surfaces, thereby reducing washing time and lowering the temperature of the wash water needed to clean a given area. The criteria established for use of chemical beach cleaners in the Exxon Valdez spill cleanup included demonstrating enhanced cleaning with low levels of toxicity to marine biota and with minimal oil dispersion. Since no commercially available products satisfactorily met these criteria for use in Alaska, a new product, Corexit 9580, was specifically developed in response to this need. This paper describes the successful development of this chemical, including both laboratory testing and field testing in Prince William Sound.